Misconception about AI use in teaching dispelled

A national online fact-checking account clarified that the claim of a ban on teachers using AI for lesson planning is a misinterpretation. Recent regulations in provinces such as Shandong, Yunnan, and Heilongjiang have set guidelines for the use of AI tools by educators. Some media outlets have misread these guidelines as a complete prohibition, leading to confusion among teachers about whether AI can still be used for lesson planning. The core of the policy remains encouraging the use of AI as a supportive tool rather than a replacement for teachers. In November 2025, the Ministry of Education’s Teacher Development Expert Committee released a guide encouraging teachers to use AI effectively in teaching. Multiple provinces have since issued similar guidelines, emphasizing the importance of proper use rather than outright bans. The policy clearly states that AI is an auxiliary tool, not a substitute for teachers. As long as teachers retain responsibility for lesson design, AI remains a legal and useful tool. Misinterpreting these policies as a complete ban is both inaccurate and counterproductive to the integration of technology in education.